Angel Park

You will think you've died and gone to heaven at the Angel Park Golf Club

Billed as the worlds most complete course – it is brimming with lighthearted references to the afterlife – but don't let the cutesy sounding names put you off, this place really does deliver on all fronts. You could spend a weekend here and still struggle to fit everything in without completely wearing yourself out.

Open since 1989, this club has stood the test of time – and faired it very well indeed. Despite several other complexes springing up in the surrounding area - TPC the Canyons, TPC Summerlin and Badlands have all been built near Angel Park - the course still pulls in a full house, with a pleasant mix of local players and tourists populating the tees.

Situated in the Northwest part of town at approximately 3000 feet in elevation, Angel Park provides spectacular views of Red Rock Canyon and the Las Vegas Valley. This golf club features 36 holes of championship Las Vegas golf - designed by the great Arnold Palmer himself. There is also the Cloud Nine Short Course – jam packed with 12 titillating sub-100 feet Par 3 holes. Topping it all off is the world's first and original all natural grass - 18 hole putting course.

The Palm course - a Par 70 - is the original, opening first in 1989. The Mountain course – a Par 71 - made its debut a year later in 1990. However, the Palm course was also remodeled in 1993 by John Fought and Bob Cupp. This remodeling was necessary to make room for the Cloud Nine course - which Fought and Cupp also designed.

The Palm Course demands plenty of distance to be achieved off the tees and delicate finesse around the greens. Yet the course's receptive fairways and multiple tee placements to choose from - prevent it from overwhelming novice and intermediate players.

While a players tee shot is the highest priority on the Palm - the Mountain course will wreak havoc on your score with its demanding approach shots. The uphill approaches and undulating greens are the components you must master to achieve a good score here.

If your not feeling up to the strain of hitting big on the Palm or Mountain – then the Cloud Nine Short Course could be just what you're looking for. It can also make an excellent warmer session to get your swing together, before going out on a full 18-hole course. Cloud Nine will challenge every facet of your iron game.

Composed of 12 holes inspired by some of the most famous short holes in the world, this course provides you some insight into the challenges faced by the touring professionals. In 2007, Golf Range magazine listed as one of the “Top Short Courses in America”.

Its features include easily recognized names such as the "Postage Stamp", "Valley of Sin", "Island Green" and even the "Riviera". What's more, 9 of these holes have lighting – providing you with a unique opportunity to squeeze in some nighttime play if you can't wait till morning to sink some balls.

Last, but not least, there is the Seventh Heaven 18 hole all natural grass-putting course. If you’re fed up with putting through corny old clown's mouths and pointless windmills – then this is the place for you. With holes ranging from 50 to 180 feet – providing you with a minimum of a Par 2 and even some Par 3's – these undulating greens, replete with sand bunkers and water hazards – will really hone your endgame and make you smile. Oh, and just like Cloud Nine – these are lit for evening play as well.
As if this wasn't enough already, there is also a fully lighted practice facility – with both natural grass and artificial turf hitting areas. And if you finally have your fill of golf – there is an excellent restaurant at hand serving up food from 6am to 6pm.

Angel Park (100 South Rampart Boulevard, Las Vegas). (Mountain: Rating 72.4; Slope 128; Yards 6,722; Fee $90) (Palm: Rating 72.6; Slope 130; Yards 6,525; Fee $90) There are two daily fee courses, both designed by Arnold Palmer (with the collaboration of others): (1) The Mountain Course: Many scenic panoramas of the Las Vegas Valley and Red Rock Canyon. Elevation is nearly 3,000 feet. (2) The Palm Course: A challenge from the blues, and fun from the whites and reds. Greens are fast. Driving range, practice tee, practice green. (I-15 to US95, US95 north to Summerlin Parkway, to Rampart Boulevard Exit A. Left to Angel Park.)